The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has raised concerns over the alleged harassment of one of its staff members by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Jigawa State.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, CITAD accused operatives of the Jigawa DSS of subjecting its Programme Officer, Mustapha Muhammad, to repeated phone calls and an informal summons following the organisation’s March 10 press conference demanding justice for Walida Abdulhadi.
According to the statement, the DSS reportedly invited Muhammad to appear at its office on Friday at 10:00 a.m., but the invitation was communicated solely via phone call, without any formal written notice or clear justification.
CITAD described the development as “intimidating” and a violation of acceptable standards.
The organisation condemned the alleged actions, stating that harassment of staff engaged in lawful activities related to accountability, child protection, and human rights advocacy is unacceptable and contrary to both national and international standards protecting civil society actors.
CITAD called on relevant authorities, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Human Rights Commission, to intervene and ensure professionalism, respect for human rights, and the protection of civil society organisations.
The group demanded an immediate end to all forms of intimidation against its staff, adherence to formal and transparent communication in official engagements, and an investigation into the conduct of the DSS officers involved.
Reaffirming its commitment to human rights advocacy, CITAD maintained that its staff operate within the provisions of Nigerian law and international standards. It added that such alleged intimidation would not deter its mission to protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
The organisation also reiterated its call for a thorough investigation into the alleged abduction and repeated rape of Walida Abdulhadi, urging that the perpetrator be brought to justice.
CITAD further appealed to the public, media, and civil society groups to remain vigilant and support efforts to protect human rights defenders across the country.
The statement was signed by CITAD’s Executive Director, Y. Z. Ya’u.
